Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-25

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Some university students want to learn about other subjects in addition to their main subjects. Others believe it is more important to give all their time and attention to studying for a qualification. Discuss both these views and give your opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

 

Student answer (Band 5.5)

Several university scholars have interest in learning other subjects instead of main subjects. However, some argue that focusing on their education related subjects which is beneficial for their career enhancement. To commence with, in education sectors many learners interest lies in other subjects which are entertaining them or they feel enjoyment when they study. However, it isn't be possible yet, because of the higher authorities in to education. Likely, their aim is that scholars should learn more knowledge regarding their field which is only possible when they should learn with full focus. Nevertheless, is their interest lies in unrelated subjects, it may be harmful for them and they will hinder their career in difficulty. On the other hand, some people argued that relevant degree study is beneficial for their bright career, because when they enter in any multinational industry or company it should be helpful to obtain promotion which is only achievable when they have got theoretical knowledge. In my opinion, I strongly agree with this notion, because it is mandatory for every learner in university to have theory knowledge after that they should learn more practical knowledge in the industry after obtaining their degree. For instance, when I was in university I learned several technical theories or relevant subjects. As a result, these were very helpful for me to getting a job as a Civil Engineer. In conclusion, scholars must learn their main subjects with full effort which are beneficial for them in the future. Still, if they do not put focus on that it will create challenges in the future.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses both sides of the argument and provides a clear personal opinion. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited. While you mention that studying other subjects might be 'entertaining', the explanation lacks depth. Similarly, the argument for focusing on main subjects is repetitive. To reach a higher band, you should provide more nuanced reasons—for example, discussing how interdisciplinary knowledge might actually enhance career prospects rather than just focusing on the binary choice between 'enjoyment' and 'career'. The conclusion is clear, but the overall development remains basic.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate. For instance, 'To commence with' is used in a way that does not fit the context of the argument, and 'Nevertheless, is their interest lies' contains a grammatical error that disrupts the flow. Referencing is sometimes unclear, such as in the sentence 'it isn't be possible yet, because of the higher authorities in to education'. Improving the variety and accuracy of linking words would significantly enhance the logical progression of your ideas.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision and range required for higher bands. You rely on simple phrasing like 'learning other subjects' and 'main subjects'. There are also instances of awkward word choice, such as 'education related subjects' instead of 'core curriculum' or 'specialised subjects'. Additionally, phrases like 'hinder their career in difficulty' are non-idiomatic. To improve, focus on learning collocations related to academic and professional contexts, and try to use more sophisticated synonyms to avoid repetition.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

There is a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but the accuracy is inconsistent. Frequent errors in verb tense and subject-verb agreement occur throughout, such as 'it isn't be possible', 'some people argued' (should be 'argue'), and 'they should learn with full focus'. Punctuation is generally functional, but the sentence construction often feels clunky, which occasionally impedes the reader's understanding. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence patterns and proofreading for common errors like missing articles or incorrect verb forms.

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